DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

We are exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates. To mitigate these risks, we utilize derivative instruments in the form of interest rate swaps. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

Series A of our Senior Notes bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.01% and Series B bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.11%. Our Credit Facility bears interest at variable rates from LIBOR plus 1.375% to a maximum of LIBOR plus 2.00%. We are subject to interest rate risk on the debt in excess of $50 million drawn on our Credit Facility.

In 2014, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements for a total notional amount of $50 million to hedge changes in the variable rate interest expense on $50 million of our existing or replacement LIBOR-priced debt. Under the first swap agreement of $25 million, we have fixed the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at 1.73% through August 29, 2019, and under the second swap agreement of $25 million, we have fixed the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at 2.50% through August 29, 2024. Each swap is measured at fair value and recorded in our consolidated balance sheet as an asset or liability. They are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments and are highly effective. Unrealized losses are deferred to shareholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are recognized in income as an increase or decrease to interest expense in the period in which the related cash flows being hedged are recognized in expense.

At December 31, 2018, we had fixed rate debt aggregating $200 million and variable rate debt aggregating $92 million, after taking into account the effect of the swaps.

The fair values of outstanding derivative instruments at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in thousands):



	Fair Value of Derivatives
	2018			2017			Balance Sheet Classification
Derivatives designated as hedges:
5 yr Interest Rate Swap	$	135		$	70		Other Assets
10 yr Interest Rate Swap	(70		)	(492		)	Other (Liabilities)
	$	65		$	(422	)

The fair value of all outstanding derivatives was determined using a model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived from or corroborated by observable data.

The effect of the interest rate swaps on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was as follows (in thousands):



	2018			2017		Income Statement Classification
Derivatives designated as hedges:
5 yr Interest Rate Swap	$	(64	)	$	165	Interest Expense
10 yr Interest Rate Swap	133			361		Interest Expense
	$	69		$	526